When Eliza first thought of her plan to be in a "relationship" with Loki she didn't think any harm would come of it. Sure, she had always had a crush on Loki, but after being friends for so long she was content to keep it at the low-grade simmer, buried deep beneath the importance of their friendship; But now was different, now that she had gotten a taste of him, the feeling turned into a raging boil mixed with the fear that he doesn't feel the same.

She was grateful that for the last nine months attention hadn't been focused on her or Loki, but on Lore and Thor and the impending birth of their baby. Something Lore was only too eager to rub in Eliza's face whenever she had the chance.

Loki and Eliza sat in the common room of the King and Queen's chambers waiting to hear the cry of a new baby.

"I am not sure about having babies." Eliza blurted out, Lore's screams shook the walls and reverberated in her bones.

"I don't think so either." Loki stared wide eyed.

"What are you talking about, you don't have to have babies."

"I just mean, for my wife, I don't think I could stand putting her through that."

Eliza swallowed hard, "Right."

A baby's wail drowned out the last of Lore's yelps followed by the loud, excited yell from Thor, who burst through the doors.

"It's a girl!" He thundered and then hurried back to the room.

"Oh, she is not going to be happy with that," Eliza predicted.

The following night all of Asgard held a celebration for the birth of the new princess. The court burst into applause as Loki and Eliza were announced, followed by Odin and Frigga, then Thor and surprisingly, Lore. She thought her sister looked a little tired, but, as usual, was holding her spotlight of everyone in the hall. Lore immediately motioned for a servant to bring her wine.

"Do you really think you should be drinking?" Eliza asked her sister as she drained another glass of wine.

"Why shouldn't I?"

"You just gave birth?"

"That's a good a reason as any," She replied and grabbed another glass off a passing tray.

"What about the baby?"

"What about her? She has a wet nurse. Don't be so stupid as to think I would actually breastfeed the baby."

"Why wouldn't you?"

"It's just a girl. Besides, I need to heal so I can have a son, an heir, nursing doesn't help with that."

"Oh." Eliza's eyes widened.

Lore glared at her, already drunk after not drinking for the length of her pregnancy, "I would tell you that one day you would understand but who am I kidding, you would never get the chance to understand."

"And what in the Hel is that supposed to mean?"

"Turn around," She pointed, where behind Eliza, Loki was dancing with one of the daughters of Frigga's friend, "It seems to me, " Lore slurred, "that your precious prince, seems to be bored of you."

Eliza watched, her heart growing heavier with each twirl and laugh the pair shared as they danced.

"It is amazing, though, I didn't think the two of you would last this long." Lore sneered.

Lore continued her taunts, even as Eliza started to walk briskly away from her sister, and then once free from the mass of bodies, ran to her families chambers and to her room.

Loki was breathless by the time he finished dancing with Freyja and was grateful when Fandral cut in and asked to dance with her. He was grinning widely as he walked to where one of the servants was standing with a tray of drinks. Loki couldn't believe he was actually enjoying himself.

"Loki, what are you doing?" Frigga grabbed her son by the arm and pulled him off to the side.

"What do you mean? This is a party, I'm having fun."

"I mean with Eliza? You brought her here and then left her to dance with Freyja."

"Oh, mother-"

"No, Loki. I've kept your father off your back for the last few months but you need to get serious, do you have any plans to marry Eliza? Or are you just keeping her around to keep yourself busy?"

Loki bristled, "I like Eliza."

"Your brother only courted Lore for two months."

"Oh, and what a match that is."

Frigga held up a hand, "Just make up your mind, and soon, before we make it up for you." She turned on her heel before he could bite out a retort.

"Thor, have you seen Eliza?" Loki asked after he made his way to his brother.

"I haven't seen her since she ran off like a child," Lore answered before Thor could open his mouth, swaying on the spot.

"What do you mean?"

Lore's only reply was a burst of drunken giggles, Thor looked at Loki and shrugged.

Loki made his way to Eliza's chambers and creaked the door open to find Eliza sobbing into her pillows.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Eliza's voice was muffled.

"Come on, what did your sister say?" Loki knew how cruel Eliza's sister could be.

"She didn't say anything I don't already know." She picked her head up, sniffling loudly, eyes red and slightly swollen from crying, "Whats wrong with you?" Behind the concern he had for her, she could see how angry he was.

"My…Mother…told me to pick someone to marry or they will pick for me." Loki said slowly.

"I'm sorry…maybe this wasn't a good idea after all."

Loki watched as fresh tears fell down her cheeks, he felt his anger fade and be replaced by something else…

They had not done more than share a few kisses, but only ever in the eye of their family. Once they had kissed in private, when they were younger, and wanted to know what the big deal was. It wasn't much to Loki but at the time, it was everything to Eliza.

At this moment he wanted nothing more than to kiss her, he found himself leaning toward her his heart rate gaining speed as the distance closed between their lips and once they touched, a frenzy began.

And one that neither of them had the intention to stop.